What Is a Pathologist and What Do They Really Do?

Pathology is an area of medicine that many find intriguing. But did you ever start wondering what exactly is a pathologist and what their job entails? Well, we’re here to tell you.

Pathologists are vital in healthcare, helping doctors treat patients effectively. Pathologists diagnose diseases by analyzing tissue, blood, and other samples and assisting doctors in deciding the course of treatment for any patient. Their work is valuable beyond healthcare, as they are central to scientific research and crime investigation, as well.

If you’re here to learn more about pathologists and their work, keep reading to learn what is a pathologist and what they actually do. Understanding the premises behind a career as a pathologist is crucial to determine whether or not you’re fit for the role!

What Is a Pathologist?

Pathology is the study of diseases; it helps us understand where diseases come from and how they affect the body. Pathologists, in this sense, are doctors who look at body tissues, fluids, and cells in a lab, using specialized tools to analyze the organs and identify any abnormalities from when a disease is being developed.

For example, when a patient has unusual symptoms, a doctor might send a tissue sample to a pathologist. The pathologist checks the sample under a microscope and can tell if it contains cancer or another disease. The pathologist’s analysis is then forwarded back to the doctor for further treatment.

By studying diseases, pathologists also help scientists learn how to treat and prevent them. This helps improve health care for everyone. In short, pathology plays a key role in understanding and fighting diseases, making it essential for better health.

What Does a Pathologist Do?

Pathologists carry out many important tasks to help understand and diagnose diseases.

One of their main tasks is examining tissues. As such, they take small samples from patients and examine them under a microscope. This helps them see if there are any abnormal cells or signs of disease.

Pathologists also interpret lab results. They analyze blood tests and other samples to provide doctors with important information about a patient’s health. This helps doctors make the right decisions for treatment.

Another key task is conducting autopsies. When a person passes away, a pathologist can examine their body to find out the cause of death.

Pathologists often collaborate with other doctors by sharing their findings to help with patient care and treatment plans. Additionally, they contribute to disease research, helping scientists learn more about how diseases develop and how to treat them.

To do all these tasks, pathologists use various tools and techniques. Microscopes are essential for examining tissues closely. They also use lab tests to analyze blood and other samples, which provide valuable insights into a patient’s health. Overall, their work is vital for improving medical care.

Types of Pathologists

Pathology has different types of specialists, each focusing on unique areas. The list of pathologist types includes: 

• Clinical pathologists work mainly in laboratories. They analyze blood, urine, and other samples to help diagnose diseases and perform tests to determine whether a patient has infections, anemia, or other health issues. Their work is crucial for doctors to understand what treatments are needed.
• Forensic pathologists, on the other hand, are involved in crime investigations. They examine bodies after someone has died unexpectedly or violently. They determine the cause of death by conducting autopsies and collect evidence that can be used in court. The police will use the findings to solve crimes and provide answers to families.
• Anatomical pathologists focus on examining tissues. They look at samples taken from surgeries or biopsies under a microscope. Their goal is to identify diseases, such as cancer, by studying the cells in the tissues. The detailed reports they provide will then help doctors plan the best course of treatment.

The variety of specializations that pathology offers proves that the field extends beyond medical treatment. Pathologists’ work is crucial not only for finding the root of a disease and its cure but also aids in crime investigation, enhancing our understanding of health, disease, and more.

How to Become a Pathologist

The path to become a pathologist demands completing a number of educational and training requirements, which are as follows: 

• Undergraduate studies: Aspiring pathologists are preferred to have obtained their BA degree in a medical-related field. This may include but is not limited to biology, chemistry, human physiology, physics, etc. A degree in these areas helps build the foundation of knowledge for the more sophisticated medical concepts to follow. 
• Medical school: Upon graduating from college, students are expected to enroll in medical school. A medical school program is divided into a two-year theoretical application and another two years of practical training. Passing the MCAT is required for admission.
• Residency: Medical school graduates will then move on to residency training, which provides hands-on practice for all residents. Working in hospitals, aspiring pathologists will perform pathology-related tasks under the supervision of senior doctors. Residency training typically takes three years to complete.
• Fellowship: The next step to becoming a pathologist is to secure a pathology fellowship. Typically spanning from three to four years, this phase equips pathology fellows with advanced skills in the field.
• Licensure and certification: Once all requirements are completed, all that’s left is to obtain a medical license and become board-certified. Licensure allows you to practice independently as a pathologist, whereas becoming board-certified demonstrates your expertise and commitment to pathology. 

What Conditions Do Pathologists Help Diagnose?

Pathologists diagnose many common diseases and conditions, which are crucial for patient care.

• Cancers are one of the main conditions diagnosed. Pathologists examine tissue samples to determine the type and stage of cancer. This information helps doctors decide on the best treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Early and accurate diagnosis can greatly improve a patient’s chances of recovery.
• Infections are another area of focus. Pathologists analyze blood and other samples to identify bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing an illness. Knowing the specific infection helps doctors choose the right antibiotics or antiviral medications, leading to faster recovery.
• Autoimmune disorders, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells. Pathologists help identify these conditions by examining blood tests and tissue samples. Proper diagnosis is essential for managing symptoms and preventing damage to organs.
• Genetic diseases are diagnosed through tests that look for specific genetic mutations. Pathologists analyze samples to find these changes, which can guide treatment options and inform family planning.

Overall, accurate diagnoses from pathologists significantly impact treatment plans and patient outcomes, helping doctors provide the best care possible.

Work Environment of a Pathologist

Because of the wide range of areas pathologists are involved in, their duties may take them across various working environments. Each role leads to a different workplace, where pathologists can be found diagnosing diseases, conducting research, or aiding in crime investigations. In essence, pathologists work environment includes: 

Hospitals

Pathologists are vital members of the healthcare team in hospitals. Working in different departments – such as clinical laboratories, surgical pathology, and blood banks – they provide accurate diagnoses that help doctors choose the best treatments for patients. 

Laboratories

In laboratories, pathologists analyze various samples, including blood, urine, and tissue, to provide precise diagnoses. They identify abnormalities that indicate diseases like infections, cancers, or genetic disorders. Pathologists also ensure quality assurance in testing procedures.

Academic Institutions

Pathologists in academic settings teach future doctors about disease processes and diagnostic techniques. They supervise medical students and engage in research to advance medical knowledge and develop new diagnostic tools and treatments.

Private Practice

In private practices, pathologists analyze tissue samples and interpret lab tests, guiding treatment decisions. They often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Forensic Settings

Forensic pathologists investigate deaths, performing autopsies to determine causes in suspicious cases. Their findings are crucial for legal proceedings and public safety.

Government Agencies

Pathologists in government agencies contribute to public health by monitoring diseases, investigating outbreaks, and shaping health policies. Their work helps safeguard community health and well-being.

Pathologist Salary and Career Outlook

The salary expectations for pathologists are satisfactory, reflecting the intricate nature of the role. These healthcare professionals are in demand across many industries, including local governments and scientific services and universities, with an estimated 4% growth in employment in the following decade.

When it comes to the yearly income, pathologists can expect up to $270,000 average salary, with potential for growth depending on numerous factors. Location, experience, and specialty play the most important role, impacting significantly how much a pathologist makes a year.

Kentucky and Wisconsin, for example, are known as two of the top paying states for pathologists, where the salary can reach $376,000 a year. As with many professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary. Early-career pathologists may start on the lower end of the salary scale, while those with several years of experience or leadership roles can command significantly higher salaries.

As healthcare systems evolve and prioritize diagnostics, the role of pathologists ought to become even more critical, leading to promising career growth opportunities in the field.

 Conclusion

While reflecting on medical career paths, becoming a pathologist is a role that many students should consider. It is an exciting job that has an immense impact on healthcare by providing diagnoses that guide treatment. But if working directly with doctors is not your preference, there’s an opportunity for you to serve the police or the local government as a forensics pathologist. Plus, the monetary compensation makes it worth the while.

Looking to establish a career as a pathologist? Seek no more. Join AUA’s Clinical Science Program and start exploring the many careers in pathology today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why would you need to see a pathologist?

You would need to see a pathologist if you require a diagnosis for a disease, such as cancer or an infection, as they analyze tissue and lab samples to provide accurate results that guide treatment decisions.

How long does it take to become a pathologist?

It typically takes about 13-15 years to become a pathologist, including four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and five years of residency training in pathology.